Self-guided: Umbria – Cycling the Green Heart of Italy

Highlights: The well-known artistic centre of Italy: Perugia

Arrive in Perugia today, the ancient and modern capital of Umbria. Perugia is famous for Perugina chocolate and its vibrant old town! Take time to explore it today or tomorrow morning. We’ll meet you for bike fitting and briefing in the afternoon.

Daily distance: 0-12 km (0-7.5 miles)

Accommodation: Hotel La Rosetta, or similar.

Highlights: Assisi, the town of Saint Francis

Leave Perugia to enter the Umbrian Basin and arrive to Assisi. You’ll want to explore the church of Saint Francis, the second most important pilgrimage destination in Italy after St. Peter’s in Rome. If you arrive early you might enjoy an extra ride to the hermitage just outside the village where Francis often retreated for meditation.

Long option: 38 km (23.5 miles), with + 721 m (2365 ft) elevation gain.
Short option: 31 km (19 miles), with + 394 m (1292 ft) elevation gain.
Extra ride from Assisi to the hermitage: 14 km (9 miles), with + 515m (1690 ft) elevation gain.

Accommodation: Hotel Giotto, or similar.

Highlights: Roman ruins in Spello, medieval wall and Renaissance buildings

You leave Assisi behind you this morning and head south to Spello, a puzzle made of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance pieces. 13th century town walls connect Roman gateways dating to the 1st century BC and AD. Take time to explore and you’ll find the 13th century town hall dominating the Renaissance town square. From Spello you pedal to Foligno, another Roman town but with fewer Roman ruins. Enjoy lunch in the square and then head across the Umbria valley to Bevagna. Bevagna is the picture of a well-preserved Medieval village. It, too, dates from Roman times and is centered on the 13th century square and town hall. Unlike most Medieval towns, Bevagna is located on the plains of the Umbrian Basin.

Daily distance: 35 km (22 miles)
Elevation gain: +324 m (1063 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel Resort Porta Guelfa, or similar.

Highlights: The preserved town of Spoleto, its fortress, the Roman aqueduct

Your ride todays takes you to the well-preserved medieval town of Spoleto, famous throughout the world for the Festival dei due Mondi, a three week dance, music and opera festival. Arrive early to discover the hidden corners of this fabulous town that dates back to Roman times. Don’t miss the Cathedral and a walk to the fortress Fortezza Albornoz on top of Colle Sant’ Elia.

Daily distance: 34 km (21 miles)
Elevation gain: + 211 m (692 ft)
Extra ride to Monteluco available: 17 km (11 miles), with + 509m (1670 ft) elevation gain

Accommodation: Hotel dei Duchi, or similar.

Highlights: Off the beaten track to medieval Todi

You’re route today takes you away from the busy heartland of Umbria to the beautiful hilltop town of Todi. Todi’s history is one of the region’s oldest: three thousand years of continual inhabitance by Umbrians, Etruscans, and Romans. Today its main square “Piazza del Popolo” is often described as the most perfect medieval piazza in Italy. Discover why.

Daily distance: 57 km (35 miles)
Elevation gain: +787 m (2582 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Cesia, or similar.

Highlights: Orvieto and its Duomo

A quiet ride along the shoulders of the Tiber Valley takes you to the spectacular Renaissance city of Orvieto. Perched on the remnant of a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is one of the most beautiful cities in Umbria. Its cathedral, a transition style between Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is richly decorated with a variety of colored marble and bright mosaics. Orvieto is also famous for its white wine.

Daily distance: 48 km (30 miles)
Elevation gain: +944 m (3097 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, or similar.

Highlights: “Ghost town” of Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena Volcanic Lake

We suggest a loop ride today to one of several volcanic lakes in this part of Italy, the Lago di Bolsena. Before getting to the lake the ride will take you to the “ghost town” of Civita di Bagnoregio. Take time to explore this interesting village.

Daily distance: 66 km (41 miles)
Elevation gain: +1292 m (4238 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, or similar.

After breakfast your cycling experience in Umbria ends. We hope you have enjoyed cycling with us! Orvieto is conveniently located on the main rail line to Florence or to Rome. It is also beautiful enough to warrant a relaxing rest day if you are so inclined.

PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.